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Copyright of Chinese Journal of Oil Crop Sciences is the property of Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) and its processed products have supported local industries such as those in the Nansei Islands, Japan. To improve the sugarcane quality and productivity, breeders select better clones by evaluating agronomic characteristics, such as commercially recoverable sugar and cane yield. However, other constituents in sugarcane remain largely unutilized in sugarcane breeding programs. This study aims to establish a data-driven approach to analyze agronomic characteristics from breeding programs. This approach also determines a correlation between agronomic characteristics and free amino acid composition to make breeding programs more efficient. Sugarcane was sampled in clones in the later stage of breeding selection and cultivars from experimental fields on Tanegashima Island. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis using agronomic characteristics revealed the diversity and variability of each sample, and the data-driven approach classified cultivars and clones into three groups based on yield type. A comparison of free amino acid constituents between these groups revealed significant differences in amino acids such as asparagine and glutamine. This approach dealing with a large volume of data on agronomic characteristics will be useful for assessing the characteristics of potential clones under selection and accelerating breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve peanut yield, growth-promoting effect of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica on peanut plants was investigated in pots. Peanut cv. Yueyou 7 was used as experimental material. Symbiosis system between P. indica and peanut was established. Agronomic traits, yield, photosynthetic characteristics, malondialdehyde content, root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity of peanut were studied. Results showed that the symbiosis system of P. indica and peanut was established successfully by inoculating P. indica with hyphae. The infection rate was 63%. At seedling stage, net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll SPAD value of peanut leaves were significantly increased by 24.17% and 19.66%, and transpiration rate was 22% lower than that of uninoculated peanut plants. At seedling and mature stages, compared with uninoculated P. indica, root length, underground fresh weight, underground dry weight, root activity and leaf catalase peroxidase activity were significantly increased after inoculation. Content of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced by 24.27% and 22.12% at seedling and mature stages. Peanut yield was increased by inoculation with P. indica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigación Agraria is the property of Investigacion Agraria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mussel shells, with their calcium carbonate content, serve as a natural pH buffer, aiding in neutralizing acidic soils and, consequently, enhancing nutrient availability for plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treating soils with mussel shells as a soil pH amendment on the agronomic characteristics and productivity of Rosmarinus officinalis. A pot experiment was set up for two growing years. The treatments were amended using different doses of mussel shells. Overall, the treatments were the following: C: unamended soil (control); T1: 0.1%; T2: 0.3%; T3: 0.5%; T4: 1%; T5: 3%; T6: 6%. Plant height was higher in pots amended with 6% mussel shells and reached the value of 32.2 cm in the first year and 51 cm in the second. The application of mussel shells increased the branch length by 53.4–58.7% and the number of branches per plant by 61.3–62% in T6 compared to the control. The total yield of fresh and dry weight in the 1st and 2nd year was ordered as follows: T6 > T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > C. In conclusion, while the established optimal quantity for neutralizing soil pH is 300 g of mussel shells per 10 kg of soil, it has been observed that a ratio of 600 g of mussel shells proves more effective in terms of both the productivity and agronomic characteristics of rosemary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In order to evaluate peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) NC2 variety growth as affected by supplementary irrigation and salicylic acid, this experiment was performed as split plat based on randomized complete block design with three replications in experimental field of Agicutural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Guilan Province (Kanroud research station of Astara), Iran, during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Methods: Four level of irrigation regimes: no irrigation (rainfed condition), supplementary irrigation at initial flowering stage, supplementary irrigation at pod formation stage and supplementary irrigation at initial flowering + pod formation stages and three levels of salicylic acid (SA): 100, 200 and 300 μmol/l comprised experimental treatments, as main and sub plot, respectively. Results: Drought stress dercreased all measured characteristics in peanut and foliar application of SA at the rate of 300 μmol/l improved all studied characteristics under bath supplementary irrigation and rainfed condition. The greatest pods number per plant (51.57), grain yield (3450 kg/ha) and pod yield (4958 kg/ha) of peanut were obtained under supplementary irrigation at initial flowering + pod formation stages with SA and these agronomic traits increased 38.79, 70.8 and 57.6 percent compared to rainfed comdition, respectively. Conclusion: Results of this reaserch indicated, two-stage supplementary irrigation of peanut and foliar application of SA at the rate of 300 μmol/l increased pod and seed yield and could be recommendable to enhance plant growth and grain yield of peanut under similar climatic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato landraces have progressively faded into obscurity, making way for new hybrids and elite tomato cultivars. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the agronomic attributes, physicochemical properties, and functional traits across seven cultivars, comprising two high-pigment varieties, 'HLT−F81' and 'HLT−F82', as well as five underutilized ancient-tomato genotypes considered as landraces. Most of the studied genotypes exhibited satisfactory horticultural and processing traits. The average fruit weight ranged from 73.3 g in 'Rimone' to 91.83 g in 'HLT−F81', while the soluble solids content ranged from 4.66 °Brix in 'Justar' to 6.08 °Brix in 'HLT−F81'. The functional quality and the content of most antioxidants, as well as the antioxidant activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions, proved to be the most discriminating parameters among the tomato genotypes. The content of β−carotene and lycopene spanned from 2.94 mg kg−1 fw in 'Rio Grande' to 13.94 mg kg−1 fw in 'HLT−F82' and 227.8 mg kg−1 fw in 'HLT−F81', yielding large variations compared to 'Rio Grande'. The total phenolic content ranged from 139.83 mg GAE kg−1 fw in 'Rimone' to 352.41 mg GAE kg−1 fw in 'HLT-F81', while the flavonoid content varied from 136.16 mg RE kg−1 fw in 'Justar' to 311.23 mg RE kg−1 fw in 'HLT-F82'. The presence of tocopherol isomers was genotype-dependent, with a higher content in lines carrying the high-pigment mutations. Among the tested tomato genotypes, the high-pigment tomato line 'HLT−F81' achieved the highest hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity values. This study primarily focused on the recovery and valorization of tomato genetic resources and landraces. It also aimed to identify desirable horticultural (yield, low-input, and low-water demand), processing (°Brix and titratable acidity), and quality (rich antioxidant berries) traits for introgression into new tomato cultivars better suited to the evolving climate conditions of the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To guide significance for water management of winter rape in Hebei Province, effect of pre-winter irrigation on yield formation of winter rapeseed was studied. Materials included 12 winter Brassica rapa and 9 B. napus varieties (lines), they were irrigated before winter. The traits were investigated including overwintering rate, contents of N, P and K in leaves and siliques, and yield composition. Results showed that winter irrigation effectively prevented freezing injury of rapeseed, increased the overwintering rate, and then improved later growth, agronomic characteristics and yield formation. The overwintering rate reached more than 90%, significantly higher than non-winter irrigation control. Although winter irrigation treatment had no significant effect on growth duration, it significantly improved agronomic traits of branch length, plant height and plot yield by 33%, 90.3% and 16.9% respectively. The contents of N and P in leaves, and K in silique shell of 6 tested winter rapeseed were higher than the other organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agronomica Sinica is the property of Crop Science Society of China and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) and its processed products have supported local industries such as those in the Nansei Islands, Japan. To improve the sugarcane quality and productivity, breeders select better clones by evaluating agronomic characteristics, such as commercially recoverable sugar and cane yield. However, other constituents in sugarcane remain largely unutilized in sugarcane breeding programs. This study aims to establish a data-driven approach to analyze agronomic characteristics from breeding programs. This approach also determines a correlation between agronomic characteristics and free amino acid composition to make breeding programs more efficient. Sugarcane was sampled in clones in the later stage of breeding selection and cultivars from experimental fields on Tanegashima Island. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis using agronomic characteristics revealed the diversity and variability of each sample, and the data-driven approach classified cultivars and clones into three groups based on yield type. A comparison of free amino acid constituents between these groups revealed significant differences in amino acids such as asparagine and glutamine. This approach dealing with a large volume of data on agronomic characteristics will be useful for assessing the characteristics of potential clones under selection and accelerating breeding programs.

In this study, 0.01% of 28-homobrassinolide(HBR) SL and 50% of 28-homobrassinolide·choline chloride (HBR·Cc) SL with different concentrations were sprayed on potatoes at different growth stages, and then the agronomic traits of potato plants, tuber yield, and the yield components were determined. The effects of 28-homobrassinolide(HBR) and 28-homobrassinolide·choline chloride(HBR·Cc) on the agronomic traits and the yields of potatoes in the dry areas were investigated. The results showed that plant height, stem diameter, internode length, fresh weight and dry weight of underground part of Holland 15 potato and plant height, stem diameter, internode length, fresh weight and dry weight of underground part and fresh weight and dry weight of aboveground part of Jinshu 16 were significantly increased after spraying 4 000 times dilution of 0.01% of HBR SL at the seedling stage. The yield, the yield per plant, weight per tuber, big tube rate, and dry matter of Jinshu 16 were significantly increased after spraying 1 500 times dilution of 0.01% of HBR SL and 1 000 times dilution of 50% of HBR·Cc SL at the tuber swelling stage, and the number of tubers per plant was significantly increased after spraying 1 000 times dilution of 50% of HBR·Cc SL. The yield, the yield per plant, weight per tuber, the number of tubers per plant, and dry matter of Jinshu 16 were significantly increased after spraying 3 000 and 4 000 times dilution of 0.01% of HBR SL and 50% of HBR·Cc SL at the starch accumulation stage. For Holland 15, the yield, the yield per plant, weight per tuber, and big tube rate were significantly increased at the starch accumulate stage after spraying 4 000 times dilution of 0.01% of HBR SL. Under the dose of field experiment, spraying 0.01% of HBR SL and 50% of HBR·Cc SL could significantly promote the growth of the whole plant at the potato seedling stage. Through spraying 0.01% of HBR SL and 50% of HBR·Cc SL on the late maturing variety, Jinshu 16, at the tuber swelling stage and starch accumulation stage, its yield could be significantly increased. Through spraying 0.01% of HBR SL and 50% of HBR·Cc SL on the early maturing variety, Holland 15, at the starch accumulation stage, its yield could be significantly increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytonematode Aphelenchoides besseyi gained prominence in Brazil following its identification as the etiological agent of leaf and green stem retention in soybean plants. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of nutrient omission on the phytotechnical characteristics of soybean in the presence and absence of A. besseyi. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized 2 × 11 factorial arrangement, with 11 treatments: control (no nutrients), complete nutrition, and individual -N, -P, -K, -S, -B, -Cu, -Fe, -Mn, and -Zn omission were applied to inoculated and uninoculated plants, and six replicates. The presence of A. besseyi adversely affected the growth characteristics, except when -P, -S, -B, -Mn, and -Zn were omitted. The nematode reduced the root length in treatments omitting -K, -S, -B, -Cu, -Fe, -Mn, and -Zn and root fresh weight when -N, -P, -K, and -Cu were omitted. In the absence of the pathogen, N assimilation did not differ significantly between the treatments; however, it was negatively influenced by the presence of the pathogen in the control and complete nutrition treatment. The leaf area index values were the lowest in inoculated plants with no nutrition, with complete nutrition, and with -N, -P, -K, and -Cu omissions. The micro- and macronutrients concentration and the shoot dry weight (SDW) were high in the presence of the nematode, except in treatments where -N, -S, and -Mn were omitted. The nutritional status does not affect infection by the nematode A. besseyi, but the application of nutrients is necessary for soybean development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project was developed at the IAC, in Votuporanga, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with four repetitions, using five treatments: sorghum culture: standard treatment (without insecticide application, T1); Colossus BT-2 (B. thugingiensis subsp. Kurstaki) and Comander (C. subtlesugae) at doses of 0.3 L ha-1 and 0.2 L ha-1, respectively (T2); 0.4 L ha-1 and 0.3 L ha-1, respectively (T3); 0.5 L ha-1 and 0.4 L ha-1, respectively (T4); application of chemical insecticides (T5); bean culture: standard treatment (without insecticide application, T1); Application of Ultron-S+A (S. spinosa) at doses of 0.2 L ha-1 (T2); 0.3 L ha-1 (T3); 0.4 L ha-1 (T4); application of chemical insecticides (T5). The plots were 5.0 x 5.0 m, totaling 25 m². In sorghum culture was evaluated the incidence (%) of plants with the presence of caterpillars in the leaves; the incidence (%) of plants with caterpillars attack symptoms in the leaves; the incidence (%) of plants with the presence of aphids in the leaves; the incidence (%) of plants with symptoms of attack of aphids in the leaves; final stand ha-1 and grain yield ha-1. In bean culture was evaluated the incidence (%) of plants with the presence of caterpillars in the leaves; the incidence (%) of plants with symptoms of attack of caterpillars in the leaves; the incidence (%) of plants with the presence of thrips in the leaves; the incidence (%) of plants with thrips attack symptoms in the leaves; final stand ha-1 and grain yield ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mussel shells, with their calcium carbonate content, serve as a natural pH buffer, aiding in neutralizing acidic soils and, consequently, enhancing nutrient availability for plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treating soils with mussel shells as a soil pH amendment on the agronomic characteristics and productivity of Rosmarinus officinalis. A pot experiment was set up for two growing years. The treatments were amended using different doses of mussel shells. Overall, the treatments were the following: C: unamended soil (control); T1: 0.1%; T2: 0.3%; T3: 0.5%; T4: 1%; T5: 3%; T6: 6%. Plant height was higher in pots amended with 6% mussel shells and reached the value of 32.2 cm in the first year and 51 cm in the second. The application of mussel shells increased the branch length by 53.4–58.7% and the number of branches per plant by 61.3–62% in T6 compared to the control. The total yield of fresh and dry weight in the 1st and 2nd year was ordered as follows: T6 > T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > C. In conclusion, while the established optimal quantity for neutralizing soil pH is 300 g of mussel shells per 10 kg of soil, it has been observed that a ratio of 600 g of mussel shells proves more effective in terms of both the productivity and agronomic characteristics of rosemary.

Diseases contribute to attainment of less than 50% of the local groundnut potential yield in Kenya. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics (flowering and germination), disease incidence, yield performance (biomass, harvest index, 100-pod, 100-seed, and total pod weight), and aflatoxin accumulation in six peanut varieties. A field experiment was conducted using four newly improved peanut varieties: CG9, CG7, CG12, and ICGV-SM 90704 (Nsinjiro), and two locally used varieties: Homabay local (control) and 12991, and in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The disease identification followed the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) rating scale and further isolation of fungal contaminants was conducted by a direct plating technique using potato dextrose agar. The aflatoxin levels in the peanuts were determined after harvesting using the ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection (UHPLC-FLD) technique. ICGV-SM 90704 showed the least average disease incidence of 1.31 ± 1.75%, (P < 0.05); the lowest total aflatoxin levels (1.82 ± 1.41 μg kg−1) with a range 0.00–0.85 μg kg−1 for total aflatoxins and a range 0.00–1.24 μg kg−1 for Aflatoxin B1. The locally used varieties (12991 and the control) revealed the highest disease incidence (5.41 ± 8.31% and 7.41 ± 1.88%), respectively. ICGV-SM 90704 was the best performing among all the six varieties with an average total pod weight (9.22 ± 1.19 kg), 100-pod weight (262.93 ± 10.8 g), and biomass of (27.21 ± 5.05 kg) per row. The 12991 variety and the control showed the least total pod weight (1.60 ± 0.28 and 1.50 ± 1.11 kg, respectively) (P = 0.0001). The newly improved varieties showed lower disease rates, low levels of aflatoxins, and higher yields than the locally used varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the analysis of 15 cultivated maize hybrids for further selection of the hybrids that present a high yield potential and favourable agronomical traits, in the context of actual climate change. The analysis and interpretation of the obtained results was performed with the help of the IBM Spss statistical software. Descriptive characteristics were calculated: average, median, standard deviation, minimum values and maximum values. In order to analyse the significant differences, the ANOVA and Duncan statistical test was applied, respectively Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney. For the study of the links between the variables, the Pearson correlation coefficients and the regression lines were determined. The results are indicating the existence of significant differences between the analysed parameters Also, the results are corelated to the meteorological data, registered during the corresponding development phase of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts that require a host plant (tramp) and support (substrates) to be applied as bio-fertilizers in agriculture. The objective of this study is to assess eight native AMF consortia of semi-arid zones (C1-ART, C2-GEC, C3-PAR, C4-VIE, C5-CUC, C6-SAC, C7-SAB, and C8-MUZ) and their reproduction response in three organic substrates: coffee pulp (CP), bovine manure (BM) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) on bean Phaseolus vulgaris. Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, fresh and dry biomass, and mineral content in root were measured. The organic substrates (CP and BM) and C5-CUC and C8-MUZ consortia increased plant height, root length, and total fresh and dry biomass considerably. After day 75 of inoculation, root colonization oscillated from 5.7% in C8-MUZ to 46.1% in C2-GEC and C4-VIE; the greatest number of spores (201) was obtained in CP substrate in a 100-g sample. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn contents in root and leaves were significantly high (P ≤ 0.001). To conclude, native AMF inoculation and substrates had positive effects on biomass content and nutrient levels in leaf and root with the C2-GEC and C3-PAR consortia and CP and BM substrates, which produced better effects in beans, making them a biofertilization alternative in agricultural crops.

Tomato landraces have progressively faded into obscurity, making way for new hybrids and elite tomato cultivars. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the agronomic attributes, physicochemical properties, and functional traits across seven cultivars, comprising two high-pigment varieties, ‘HLT−F81’ and ‘HLT−F82’, as well as five underutilized ancient-tomato genotypes considered as landraces. Most of the studied genotypes exhibited satisfactory horticultural and processing traits. The average fruit weight ranged from 73.3 g in ‘Rimone’ to 91.83 g in ‘HLT−F81’, while the soluble solids content ranged from 4.66 °Brix in ‘Justar’ to 6.08 °Brix in ‘HLT−F81’. The functional quality and the content of most antioxidants, as well as the antioxidant activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions, proved to be the most discriminating parameters among the tomato genotypes. The content of β−carotene and lycopene spanned from 2.94 mg kg−1 fw in ‘Rio Grande’ to 13.94 mg kg−1 fw in ‘HLT−F82’ and 227.8 mg kg−1 fw in ‘HLT−F81’, yielding large variations compared to ‘Rio Grande’. The total phenolic content ranged from 139.83 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘Rimone’ to 352.41 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘HLT-F81’, while the flavonoid content varied from 136.16 mg RE kg−1 fw in ‘Justar’ to 311.23 mg RE kg−1 fw in ‘HLT-F82’. The presence of tocopherol isomers was genotype-dependent, with a higher content in lines carrying the high-pigment mutations. Among the tested tomato genotypes, the high-pigment tomato line ‘HLT−F81’ achieved the highest hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity values. This study primarily focused on the recovery and valorization of tomato genetic resources and landraces. It also aimed to identify desirable horticultural (yield, low-input, and low-water demand), processing (°Brix and titratable acidity), and quality (rich antioxidant berries) traits for introgression into new tomato cultivars better suited to the evolving climate conditions of the near future.

Vegetative propagation of potato decreases variation in commercially cultivated varieties. Induction of variability in potatoes is needed for crop improvement. Selection is selecting the best individual plants based on the desired characteristics, which will be effective when suitable characteristics are used. The objective of this study was to determine the agronomic characteristics for the selection of potato crossing lines through heritability, genetic variability, and genotypic correlation. The experiment was conducted at the Greenhouse, Sumber Brantas Village, Batu City, East Java. The materials used were 30 potato lines resulting from LJPRSD1 x AP-4. This study was arranged in a complete randomized design (RCD) with three replications. The agronomic characteristics observed include plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, the diameter of tuber, number of tubers, tuber length, weight per tuber, starch, and glucose. Almost all characteristics observed showed high heritability values, except stem diameter and tuber length. The genetic variability in stem diameter, tuber diameter, and tuber length was low, whereas the genetic variability in other characteristics was slightly low. The genotypic correlation was significant between characteristics, except between starch content and weight per tuber. Meanwhile, the agronomic characteristics used for selection are plant height, diameter of tuber, number of tubers.

Purpose Crude oil pollution adversely affects the environment and its remediation presents significant challenge due to its complex nature. Bioremediation approaches have proved effective and the use of organic wastes makes the process eco-friendly. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of organic manures amendments of crude oil polluted soil on the growth and performance of maize (Zea mays L.) under potted environment at the botanic garden of University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.Method The loamy soils in different pots (5.0 kg each) were polluted with crude oil in six factorial treatments set (0.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0% and 10.0%) and allowed for two weeks. Thereafter, the polluted soils were subjected to different organic manure amendment: poultry-manure, cow-dung, saw-dust, combined poultry-manure + cow-dung, combined poultry-manure + saw-dust and combined cow-dung + saw-dust manures with two sets of control: polluted soil + no organic manure and non-polluted soil + no organic manure. The amended soils were allowed for two weeks before sowing viable maize seeds and the seedling monitored every two weeks after germination for a period of eight weeks.Results Crude oil pollution impaired the maize seed germination, growth and development. Organic manures amendments of polluted-soil significantly improved (P < 0.05) maize plant agronomic characteristics with combined manures especially poultry-manure + cow-dung showing highest improvement than other combined or single manure treatment.Conclusion Combined organic manures amendments of crude oil polluted soil especially cow-dung + saw-dust were found to be environmentally friendly and beneficial for maize crop production.

To study the effect of gamma radiation on various morphological and agronomic characters of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), seeds were subjected to different gamma radiation doses; and selected M5 and M6 generation lines were evaluated. The optimum doses to induce desirable changes in bread wheat were 100–200 Gy. Seed loss decreased while grain yield, yield components, fertile florets number, biological yield, plant height, harvest index and flag leaf area increased in all mutant lines. Shear strength increased in many lines. Selected mutant lines also showed reduced seed shattering that can greatly reduce seed loss at harvest. Some new phenotypic characters such as the appearance of bristles on the glume, important for drought tolerance, two spikelets at each rachis and more fertile florets at each spikelet. These can greatly increase yield, as seen in some mutant lines. Also, some physiological characteristics including photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and chlorophyll content improved in some mutant lines. About 95.8% of the total variation in grain yield was explained by three selected variables: flag leaf area, number of seeds per spike, and spike number per plant. Grain yield increased more than 45% in some mutant lines the highest ever reported using this approach to the genetic improvement of wheat. Wheat grain yield has increased 2.2 times in the last 50 years, which indicates that if mutagens are optimally used and the selection is carefully performed as described herein, it is possible to improve important economic traits, in a much shorter time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a major abiotic stress forced by the changing climate that affects plant production and soil structure and functions. A study was conducted to explore the impacts of ascorbic acid (AsA) and α-tocopherol (α-toc) on the agro-physiological attributes and antioxidant enzymes of chickpea grown in water deficit regions. The results of the soil analysis showed that the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were decreased from 521 mS/m and 7.08 to 151 mS/m and 6.6 in 20-day drought regimes, respectively. Agronomic outcomes showed that exogenous application of AsA and α-toc increased the germination rate index (GRI), mean germination time (MGT), germination energy (GE), water use efficiency (WUE), germination percentage (GP), and seed vigor index (SVI). However, all the above attributes experienced a decline under 10- and 20-day drought stress. Similarly, the Chl. a, Chl. b, carotenoids, proline, protein, sugar, glycine betaine, and hydrogen peroxide contents were significantly increased. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde, glutathione reductase, and enzymatic antioxidants (APOX, SOD, and POD) increased during 10- and 20-day drought, except CAT, which decreased during drought. The exogenous fertigation of these growth regulators improved the photosynthetic pigments and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in stressed plants. The current research concludes that simultaneous dusting of AsA and α-toc could be an efficient technique to mitigate the antagonistic impacts of drought, which might be linked to the regulation of antioxidant defense systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus spp. wood ash, as fertilizer, can be used for agriculture sustainability and the mitigation of production costs especially among small farmers who grow cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The objective was to evaluate effects of fertilizers, mineral, organic (wood ash), and organomineral (organic+mineral) combined with base saturations of 30 or 60%, on growth and development of cowpea. Use of wood ash, alone and combined with mineral fertilizer, corrected soil acidity upward and increased shoot growth, nodule numbers, and water use efficiency. Wood ash may be an alternative fertilizer in cowpea production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andropogon lateralis Nees is a native grass of southern Brazil and is one of the most frequent specie found in native grasslands. The species is widely distributed and has a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, which makes it highly adaptable to different edaphoclimatic conditions and management. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of twelve ecotypes of A. lateralis, collected in different regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and cut to three different heights and subjected to two different defoliation frequencies. From September to February, the ecotypes were evaluated for total dry matter, leaf and stem yields. In addition, total, vegetative and reproductive tillers and plant height were measured. These characteristics are important for the selection of superior genotypes in terms of genetic variability and forage production. Total dry matter and leaf dry matter are characteristics with agronomic importance and they showed the highest correlation (r = 0.77), enabling an indirect selection for one of these characteristics. The natural selection of plants resulted in distinct structural, morphological and productive characteristics with heterogeneity that allows the selection and grouping according to the characteristics, ecotypes with superior agronomic characteristics can be included in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different sowing dates on pod yield and some agronomic characteristics of the ‘Virginia’-type peanut cultivar ‘Halisbey’, and to determine the optimal sowing date in the Mediterranean region. This study was conducted in 2018 and 2019 at the Experimental Research Farm of Agricultural Faculty, Cukurova University in Adana, Turkey. The seeds were sown on seven dates: March 28, April 8, April 18, April 28, May 8, May 18 and May 28 each year. The experiment included a randomized complete block design with three replications. The plants were harvested 160 days after sowing, starting on September 8 every year. Pod number and pod weight per plant, 100 seeds weight, shelling percentage, oil and protein content, pod and kernel yield per hectare were investigated. As a result, pod number and weight per plant, 100 seeds weight, shelling percentage, pods and kernel yield values were found to be the highest at the experimental variant with May 8 sowing date. While the oil content decreased by delaying the sowing date, the protein content was increased. According to a two-year average, the highest pod yield (8136 kg ha-1) and kernel yield (5711 kg ha-1) were also obtained at the experimental variant with May 8 sowing date.

A long fruit (lf) mutant was obtained from the cucumber inbred line 'SN5' by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mediated mutagenesis. We found that plant height and internode length of lf were significantly decreased, while leaf area was significantly increased in comparison to wild type (WT) plants. Higher carbohydrate level, together with lower chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters, was revealed in lf leaves than those of WT. Longer fruits, as well as enhanced fruit quality, were observed for mutant plants in comparison to WT, and the difference in fruit length was continuously increased with the development of fruits. ELISA and real-time PCR analyses demonstrated the significant alterations in not only the CTK and IAA contents but also the expression of key genes related to cytokinin and auxin signalings in the fruits of lf when compared to WT plants, evidencing the involvement of cytokinin and auxin in fruit elongation of lf cucumber. Our results could benefit subsequent gene mapping and expand our knowledge about cucumber fruit length regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Terra Latinoamericana is the property of Sociedad Mexicana de la Ciencia del Suelo A.C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant, known worldwide for thousands of years. The propose of this study was to evaluate the effect co-inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on growth of root system and yield in plants of industrial cannabis variety ‘Uso’. A greenhouse experiment took place in the Laboratory of Agronomy at Agricultural University of Athens. The experiment was designed according to Randomized block design with 2 treatments AMF & Trichoderma (AMF&TRCH) application and Trichoderma without AMF application (TRCH) and 3 replications. Trichoderma species have the ability to colonize the rhizosphere of plants, thereby improving the development of the root system. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can form symbiotic relationships with most plants, including species of great economic interest such as industrial hemp. The combined use of Trichoderma harzianum and AMF provoked a synergistic effect increasing the root mass density, bud length and CBD yield per plant. During AMF&TRCH treatment the number of buds, bud dry matter and yield were higher than the TRCH treatment, on the contrary AMF colonization and root volume decreased. In conclusion the supply of AMF&Trichoderma had positive effect on AMF percentage, root and agronomic characteristics.

Matching the planting density, fertilisation, and genotype is crucial to improve the maize yield. Here, two-year field trials, including 4 densities and 3 nitrogen (N) rates for 2 maize cultivars, were conducted to study the effects of planting density and N rate on maize growth, lodging, spike characters, and yield. Compared with 360 kg/ha, N application of 180 kg/ha decreased the plant, ear height, and stem circumference of WeiKe 702 (WK702), while increased the plant height and stem circumference, but decreased ear height of ZhongDan 909 (ZD909). Meanwhile, the N application of 180 kg/ha greatly reduced the lodging rates of maize under the high density. The maize yield increased and reached the maximum yield at 7.5 × 104 plant/ha, and then decreased with increasing density. The N application of 180 kg/ha increased yield by 0.49, 0.73, 5.38, 7.81% from low to high planting densities, and reduced the bald tip length by 18.86%. WK702 was more sensitive to the planting density and N application, with greater variation of yield and spike traits than ZD909 under the densification. Therefore, the N application of 180 kg/ha and a density of 7.5 × 104 plant/ha could improve maize growth and lodging, and therefore increase maize yield.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is commonly grown under dryland conditions during spring on soils that conserve moisture from the preceding season, in Iran. Seeding rate can have a major impact on production of chickpea. A field trial was carried out at Gerizeh Agricultural Research Station of Kurdistan (35°16’N 47°1’E), west of Iran during 2015-16 cropping season. The trial was carried out in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The factor "A" was plant densities, consisting of 15, 25, 35, and 45 plants m-2 and factor "B" was chickpea varieties (Kaka, Pirouz, ILC 482, and Samin). The effect of chickpea varieties and interaction between plant densities and varieties were significant on all measured parameters, except on number of seed per pod, plant height and height of first pod. Also, the effects of plant densities on seed yield, 100 seed weight, leaf chlorophyll index, protein content, plant height, and number of branch per plant were also significant. Results showed that an increase in plant density resulted in significantly higher seed yield per hectare. The mean yields indicated the sensitivity of "Samin" cultivar to high plant population, while it was, suitabilie to cultivar "ILC482" (45 plants m2). "Kaka" and "Pirouz" produce near optimum yields at medium plant densities (25 and 35 plants m-2). Mean yield comparison of cultivar × palnt density showed that cultivars "Pirouz", "ILC482" and "Samin" did not differ significantly in protein content but "Kaka" significantly produced higher protein content the three cultivars. Correlation coefficient for seed yield, number of pods/plant, seed weight, number of branch/ plant and plant height were positive and significant, while for seed yield, and height of first pod were negative and significant. According to the results of the this study Samin, with its large seed size and other desirable characteristics and plant population of 35 plants m-2 can be recommended for planting in Sanandaj and similar climatic areas.

Diseases contribute to attainment of less than 50% of the local groundnut potential yield in Kenya. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics (flowering and germination), disease incidence, yield performance (biomass, harvest index, 100-pod, 100-seed, and total pod weight), and aflatoxin accumulation in six peanut varieties. A field experiment was conducted using four newly improved peanut varieties: CG9, CG7, CG12, and ICGV-SM 90704 (Nsinjiro), and two locally used varieties: Homabay local (control) and 12991, and in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The disease identification followed the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) rating scale and further isolation of fungal contaminants was conducted by a direct plating technique using potato dextrose agar. The aflatoxin levels in the peanuts were determined after harvesting using the ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection (UHPLC-FLD) technique. ICGV-SM 90704 showed the least average disease incidence of 1.31 ± 1.75%, (P < 0.05); the lowest total aflatoxin levels (1.82 ± 1.41 μg kg−1) with a range 0.00–0.85 μg kg−1 for total aflatoxins and a range 0.00–1.24 μg kg−1 for Aflatoxin B1. The locally used varieties (12991 and the control) revealed the highest disease incidence (5.41 ± 8.31% and 7.41 ± 1.88%), respectively. ICGV-SM 90704 was the best performing among all the six varieties with an average total pod weight (9.22 ± 1.19 kg), 100-pod weight (262.93 ± 10.8 g), and biomass of (27.21 ± 5.05 kg) per row. The 12991 variety and the control showed the least total pod weight (1.60 ± 0.28 and 1.50 ± 1.11 kg, respectively) (P = 0.0001). The newly improved varieties showed lower disease rates, low levels of aflatoxins, and higher yields than the locally used varieties.

The cassava crops have a great diversity of cultivars, mostly creole, being necessary studies that aim the selection of materials able to express its productive potencial in distinctive areas of Brazil. Thus, this work aimed to assess the agronomic characteristics and the productive of seven cultivars of table cassava, in the West region of Pará. The experiment was carried out in a rural property, in the municipality of Mojuí dos Campos (Pará). The experimental design was randomized blocks, with three repetitions. The treatments were constituted of local cassava cultivars (Água Morna, Roxa do Curudi, Amarelona, Olhinho, Máximo, Tabocal II e Paço Branco). The evaluated characteristics were: height of plants - HP (m), height of the first ramification - HR (m), diameter of the plant stem - DPS (cm), number of sprouts - NS, number of harvested roots - NHR, root fresh biomass - RFB (g), root dry biomass - RDB (g), diameter of roots -DR (cm), length of roots - LR (cm) and productivity (PR). For the characters in the aerial part, the 'Roxa do Curundi' cultivar showed the highest HP and HR 'Máximo e Paço Branco' expressed the highest DPS and NS, respectively. The cassava cultivars studied distinguished as to the characteristics of agronomic interest for inclusion in plant breeding programs of the species in the western region of the state of Pará. Among the evaluated cultivars, 'Paço Branco' is recommended for agricultural improvement, as it presents desirable characteristics, such as higher productivity and smaller size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Crude oil pollution adversely affects the environment and its remediation presents significant challenge due to its complex nature. Bioremediation approaches have proved effective and the use of organic wastes makes the process eco-friendly. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of organic manures amendments of crude oil polluted soil on the growth and performance of maize (Zea mays L.) under potted environment at the botanic garden of University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. Method The loamy soils in different pots (5.0 kg each) were polluted with crude oil in six factorial treatments set (0.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0% and 10.0%) and allowed for two weeks. Thereafter, the polluted soils were subjected to different organic manure amendment: poultry-manure, cow-dung, saw-dust, combined poultry-manure + cow-dung, combined poultry-manure + saw-dust and combined cow-dung + saw-dust manures with two sets of control: polluted soil + no organic manure and non-polluted soil + no organic manure. The amended soils were allowed for two weeks before sowing viable maize seeds and the seedling monitored every two weeks after germination for a period of eight weeks. Results Crude oil pollution impaired the maize seed germination, growth and development. Organic manures amendments of polluted-soil significantly improved (P < 0.05) maize plant agronomic characteristics with combined manures especially poultry-manure + cow-dung showing highest improvement than other combined or single manure treatment. Conclusion Combined organic manures amendments of crude oil polluted soil especially cow-dung + saw-dust were found to be environmentally friendly and beneficial for maize crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Oil Crop Sciences is the property of Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT: Andropogon lateralis Nees is a native grass of southern Brazil and is one of the most frequent specie found in native grasslands. The species is widely distributed and has a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, which makes it highly adaptable to different edaphoclimatic conditions and management. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of twelve ecotypes of A. lateralis, collected in different regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and cut to three different heights and subjected to two different defoliation frequencies. From September to February, the ecotypes were evaluated for total dry matter, leaf and stem yields. In addition, total, vegetative and reproductive tillers and plant height were measured. These characteristics are important for the selection of superior genotypes in terms of genetic variability and forage production. Total dry matter and leaf dry matter are characteristics with agronomic importance and they showed the highest correlation (r = 0.77), enabling an indirect selection for one of these characteristics. The natural selection of plants resulted in distinct structural, morphological and productive characteristics with heterogeneity that allows the selection and grouping according to the characteristics, ecotypes with superior agronomic characteristics can be included in breeding programs.

Tree pruning in urban centers generates residues, which can be used as organic composites in the production of crisp lettuce seedlings. Given the above, the aim of this work was to perform a physicochemical analysis of the gongocomposite in the production of crisp lettuce seedlings. The experiment was carried out in a rural property in Reserva do Cabaçal-MT, with a completely randomized design comprising five treatments and five replications. To obtain the substrates, the gongocomposite was made from Trigoniulus corallinus, in the following proportions: 40% of Paspalum notatum (grass) + 30% of the pruning residues of tree species Terminalia catappa, Licania tomentosa, Senna siamea, and Albizia lebbeck composed of leaves, leaflets, and fine branches, dried and crushed, where the process lasted 120 days. Substrates were evaluated regarding physical and chemical properties. At 24 days after sowing, shoot fresh and dry mass, root fresh and dry mass, root volume, seedling vigor, and stability of lettuce clods were measured. The gongocomposite from the grass (Paspalum notatum) + oiti + albizia (40% + 30% pruning residues + 30% pruning residues) presented better physicochemical characteristics and better initial development of lettuce seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】 To clarify the effects of different amendments on soil salinization indexes, sunflower agronomic characteristics and yield in Hetao Irrigation Area, so as to provide a reference for the improvement of saline-alkali soil in this area.【Methods】 Randomized block test was used,4 treatments with no amendment（S1）,900 kg/hm² organic amendment（S2）,4 500 kg/hm² desulfurized gypsum（S3）,900 kg/hm² organic amendment + 4 500 kg/hm² desulfurized gypsum（S4）,comparative analysis of soil salinization indexes and sunflower agronomic characteristics and yield under different amendments.【Results】 The application of amendments reduced the total salt content and pH value of the soil compared with no amendments. The S4 treatment was significantly lower than the S1 treatment（P<0.05）,which decreased by 1.15 g/kg and 0.32,respectively. The application of amendments increased plant height, stem thickness, and disk diameter, and the S4 treatment was significantly higher than the S1 treatment（P<0.05）. The yield, grain weight per tray, and 100-seed weight of S4 treatment were significantly higher than those of S1 treatment（P<0.05）,increasing by 13.92%,21.15 g and 1.48 g respectively. There was no significant difference between S2 and S3 treatments（P>0.05）.【Conclusion】 900 kg/hm² organic amendment + 4 500 kg/hm² desulfurized gypsum had obvious effects on reducing the total salt content and pH value of the soil, promoting sunflower growth and increasing yield. It was a suitable amendment in saline-alkali soil of Hetao Irrigation Area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downy mildew caused by Peronospora variabilis is a major fungal disease limiting yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) around the world. Existing quinoa cultivars do not have adequate levels of resistance to the disease. In the present study, 165 quinoa accessions were screened for resistance to the disease in two consecutive years. Disease ratings were performed by using a three-leaf scoring technique. In 2018, of 70 quinoa accessions, 47.14% were moderately resistant and 18.57% were highly resistant. However, in 2019, of 95 accessions, 44.21% showed moderately resistant reaction and 26.31% highly resistant reaction to the disease. The average of AUDPC (area under disease progress curve) of all the accessions was 1293.42 in 2018, and 931.68 in 2019. The disease caused significant (P < 0.01) cumulative defoliations in susceptible accessions. AUDPC was positively correlated (r = 0.796 in 2018, r = 0.896 in 2019) with defoliation rate and negatively correlated (r = –0.834 in 2018, r = –0.599 in 2019) with plant height. There were also negative correlations (r = –0.755 in 2018, r = –0.580 in 2019) between defoliation rate and plant height. The study not only revealed resistant germplasm but also showed the importance of screening downy mildew resistance by comparing disease-related agronomic characteristics. Downy mildew caused by Peronospora variabilis is a common fungal disease in native quinoa growing in South America; however, the disease is spreading to other quinoa growing countries around the world. Existing quinoa cultivars do not have adequate levels of resistance to the disease. The present study revealed resistant germplasm that could be used for improving new quinoa cultivars resistant to the disease, and examined host–pathogen interactions by comparing disease related agronomic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Rice is indispensable to almost all Filipinos as their primary food, it is necessary to aim for an additional greater harvest as an ultimate objective. The study was conducted to determine if there were significant differences in growth performance and on the yield of lowland rice applied with zinc sulfate at different levels. The experimental area was divided into four blocks for the number of replications and each block was further divided into 5 plots for the number of treatments adopting the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The following treatments were: T0-control-without application of zinc sulfate, T1-5kg of zinc sulfate, T2-10kg of zinc sulfate, T3-15kg of zinc sulfate, and T4 -20kg of zinc sulfate. Results showed significant differences in the plant height, the number of tillers, percentage of bearing culm, length of the panicle, percentage of filled and unfilled grains, grain yield per hill, grain yield per treatment, the weight of 1000 grains, except the number of grains per panicle. Maximum paddy yield was achieved in Treatment 4 (20kg zinc sulfate) and the minimum paddy yield was noted in treatment control (no zinc sulfate application). Zinc application increases the crop growth rate and yield of rice.

Plants with the crassulacean acid metabolism commonly present good adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments, but it highly depends on the type of species. In this study, chlorophyll fluorescence, the concentration of inorganic and organic solutes and the productive performance were evaluated along with their relationships in different clones of the genera Opuntia and Nopalea. The experiment was conducted from 2016 to 2018. Four clones of genus Opuntia were evaluated: 'Orelha de Elefante Mexicana' (OEM), 'Orelha de Elefante Africana' (OEA), V19 and F8; and two clones of genus Nopalea : 'IPA Sertânia' and 'Miúda'. The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design, with six treatments and three replications. The following parameters were measured when harvesting: initial, maximum and variable fluorescence; the quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm); light-induction curves of the photochemical parameters (ΔF/Fm', qP, NPQ and ETR); the chlorophyll and carotenoid content; carbohydrates; the sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) content; morphometry; and dry matter accumulation. The values for the effective quantum yield of PSII (ΔF/Fm') and the alterations in photochemical quenching were higher in the OEM clone (P < 0.05). There was a difference between clones for non-photochemical quenching, with the F8 clone having the highest values. The Fv/Fm was 0.87 for the OEM. 'IPA Sertânia' obtained the greatest Chl a/b , and the highest values for carbohydrate concentration were found in the OEA clone. The OEM clone showed the greatest accumulation of K+, in addition to a higher cladode area index and greater dry matter accumulation. The results of this study show the high physiological tolerance of the forage cactus to a semi-arid environment, which varies according to the clone. [Display omitted] • Chlorophyll- a fluorescence varies significantly between the different forage cactus clones. • The maximum quantum yield of photosystem II is more marked in the 'Orelha de Elefante Mexicana' (OEM) clone. • There were photochemical differences between clones of the same genus of forage cactus. • Species of the same genus show significant variations in K+ concentration in the plant tissue. • The OEM clone showed morphometric characteristics with a significantly higher yield than did the clones of Nopalea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables that is rich in sugars contributing to flavor and consumer acceptance; however, little information is available on the effect of genotypes and growing conditions on sugar accumulation. We assessed the seasonal variation in agronomic characteristics and free sugar content in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) grown under open field conditions. Seventy-five cabbage genotypes were grown in the spring and autumn 2019, and their morphological characteristics and sugar concentrations were evaluated. Six cabbage types produced predominantly round-shaped heads (64 genotypes). Bright green and green were the dominant colors depending on the outer and inner leaves of the cabbage head. The most variable quantitative trait was head weight in both spring (36.9%) and autumn (49.2%). Glucose was the predominant sugar in most genotypes in both seasons. Mean glucose content in spring and autumn was 209.3 and 214.9 mg g-1 with 14.8% and 14.6% variation, respectively. Most genotypes produced higher fructose concentrations in fall than in spring. Sucrose levels showed the highest variation in both spring (36.0%) and autumn (60.5%), followed by fructose and glucose levels. Most agronomic parameters exhibited nonsignificant or negative correlations with sugar content, except the correlation of head height and width with glucose content. Fructose and glucose were positively correlated with total sugar content, while there was nonsignificant correlation with sucrose. Genotypes 160330 and 183701 produced comparably high and stable total sugar content in both seasons and can therefore be used as commercial breeding materials. We revealed a significant effect of genotype and season on cabbage agronomic characteristics and sugar content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bupleurum chinense is a genuine medicinal material in Shanxi Province, and planting B. chinense is one of the main sources for local farmers to increase their income. In B. chinense cultivation, wheat-B. chinense, maize-B. chinense and soybean-B. chinense are commonly used as multiple cropping patterns. In the present study, we studied the effects of three different multiple cropping patterns on N, P and K levels of soil, photosynthetic parameters, agronomic characteristics, saikosaponin A, C and D contents, yield and economic benefits of B. chinense. The results showed that the soybean-B. chinense multiple cropping pattern was beneficial to the enrichment of N in the soil, thus promoting photosynthetic parameters, growth, saikosaponin accumulation, yield and economic benefits of B. chinense. It is suggested that soybean-B. chinense multiple cropping was an appropriate multiple cropping pattern for local cultivation of B. chinense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott], a member of the family Araceae, is a vegetatively propagated crop with edible tubers (corms and cormels), petioles and leaf blades. Available evidence suggests that taro originated in South Central Asia, probably in the tropical region from India to Indonesia. The crop is considered to have reached Japan by the 10th century B. C.. In Japan, taro was a regional staple crop before the beginning of rice cultivation, but it is nowadays grown as a root vegetable. The corms and cormels of taro are an excellent source of carbohydrates and rich in essential minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. Additionally, Japanese people have formed socio-cultural connections to the crop since olden times; taro has been served in traditional feasting and seasonal events. Despite having so much value, taro cultivation has shown declining trends in the past several decades. It should also be noted that little attention has been devoted to the genetic improvement of taro. In this review, an attempt is made to collect information about the commercial production and uses of Japanese taros as well as agronomic characteristics of leading cultivars, with the expectation that the synthesized information will aid in understanding the problems and prospects of taro cultivation in Japan.

Study on agronomic and economic performance characteristics of cassava (Manihot utillisima L.) in Gunungkidul Regency Special Region of Yogyakarta was conducted in April – August 2016. The research aimed to identify the agronomic and economic performance characteristics of cassava in Gunungkidul regency. Technical implementation of the survey method was conducted by observation and interview. The location of research sampling was determined by stratified random sampling method based on the category of district that has the most or broadest, medium, and small amount of cassava planting area. The respondents were chosen by purposive sampling method as much as 10% from the number of cassava farmers in a village or farmer group. The data were analyzed by descriptive and farming system analysis. The research result showed that there were some cassava cultivars observed, i.e. ‘Ketan’, ‘Pahit’, ‘Adira’, ‘Ireng’, ‘GatotKaca’, ‘Genjah’, ‘Mentega’, ‘Oyeng’, ‘Randu’, ‘Ambira’, ‘Klentheng’, ‘Srondol’, ‘PandesiHijau’, ‘Adira 1’, ‘Pandesi’, ‘Kirik’, ‘Gambyong’, ‘Jowo’, ‘Bamban’, ‘Kacibali’, ‘UJ-5’, ‘Marekan’, ‘Kresno’, ‘Meni’, ‘Merah’, ‘Malang’, ‘Kropak’ and ‘Aban’. Cultivation technology of cassava applied in Gunungkidul Regency is conventional technology. The maximum tillage system is applied in the soil tillage. Generally, Cassava is grown intercropping with rice, beans and maize. Manure is applied in cultivation technology and weeding is done six until ten times. There are eight types of pests attacking cassava plants. Cassava is harvested in seventh until tenth month after planting. Cassava farming is feasible in Gunungkidul Regency with R/C ratio (Revenue Cost Ratio) and B/C ratio (Benefit Cost Ratio) gained > 1.